How Does the Federal EV Tax Credit Work?

If you have been researching an electric vehicle (EV) to buy in the area, you’ve probably heard about the federal incentive. But what is it, and how does the federal tax credit for electric cars work, exactly? The federal EV tax credit starts at a minimum of $2,500 and can go up to $7,500, depending on the car’s battery capacity and whether it meets certain critical mineral and battery component requirements. When you purchase an eligible EV, you may be able to earn this credit, so this is yet another reason why a driver like yourself might opt for an EV next. Find out which models qualify for this credit and if you can enjoy this incentive below with the finance team at Kempthorn Motors!

Which Models are Included for this Electric Car Tax Credit?

Whenever this EV tax credit is mentioned, it often sounds like every electric model is applicable. However, that is false. In addition to the model being new, a qualifying EV also needs to meet the following criteria:

• Draws propulsion using a traction battery that has at least 7 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of capacity
• Uses an external source of energy to recharge the battery
• Has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of up to 14,000 pounds
• Is assembled in North America
• Meets critical mineral and battery component requirements (for vehicles placed in service after April 18, 2023)
• Is primarily driven in the United States

If you’re considering a plug-in or battery EV, you will need to keep in mind that the model you’re interested in has to be built by a qualified manufacturer in order to earn the maximum electric car tax credit of $7,500. Also, an electric vehicle lease might be a great alternative if you prefer not to own the car long-term, but keep in mind that tax credits are only available for purchases.

Vehicles That Qualify

To qualify for the federal tax credit, a vehicle must meet all the criteria listed above. However, eligibility can vary based on specific vehicle models and their compliance with new regulations. Contact our team to confirm if the new you’re interested in qualifies for the tax credit. Our team can provide up-to-date information on which vehicles are eligible and help you navigate the process to ensure you maximize your savings.

Am I Eligible for the Federal EV Tax Credit?

You’ve checked that the model you want is qualified for this tax credit. Now, you’ll need to see if the credit can be applied to your taxes. While the EV tax credit is available for purchases, it’s important to note that an electric vehicle lease will direct the tax benefits to the lending institution.

Once you know you’re set on buying an EV, you’ll need to consider how much you will owe in income tax for that year. This amount is key because it caps how much of the tax credit you can get. For example, if you buy an electric model eligible for the full $7,500 and you owe $3,000 in income tax, then you can only earn $3,000 of the credit. Similarly, if that model is only eligible for $1,500, then you will earn only $1,500 instead. In other words, you can only earn the full amount if you owe at least $7,500 in income tax the year you bought your EV and the model qualifies for the maximum credit.

Lastly, keep in mind that you cannot pass the federal EV tax credit to someone else even if you decide to sell your EV. Only the registered owner of an eligible model can claim this credit, so if you want to buy a used model instead, you won’t be able to access this credit.

Learn More About the Electric Car Tax Credit at Kempthorn Motors!

Make sure to check out the new vehicle specials at Kempthorn Motors and speak with our finance team to see how else you can save on your EV purchase near and . Contact us today to discuss how an electric vehicle lease could fit into your plans and how it compares to the benefits of the EV tax credit.